So I am looking for my first handgun within my price range. I am stuck between the two I listed above. I am looking for something to have for home protection and to take to the gun range. I have done my research and found that both are amazing pistols. I know that the Shield is a smaller gun. Typically used to carry since it is lighter. People say it is also better to use for the range. Also has a lighter trigger than the SD9. However I didn't really like how small it felt. It really only felt comfortable once I put the extended mag on it. The SD is a much bigger gun. Felt better on my hand. Also comes with 2 16 round mags when purchased new. Typically used for self defensive since the 8 pound trigger. But can you also use it for the range? Also isn't the ammo cost the same? I find that everyone I talk to leans towards the Shield. Typically it is a more expensive gun and people say if you can't afford it than the SD is fine as well. But after doing research I found that the SD9VE cost 240 after MIR and the Shield is 224 after MIR. Should I go for the Shield is its us salt more expensive and a better gun?

I have both, just in .40, and after adding the slip on pachmayr grips, the shield fits great in my hand. The trigger on the SD really is not that great and by the time you do the Apex trigger job, your into M&P full size money. I qualified for my CC with the SD and have put about 1000 rounds thru mine without any issues. It is not a ammo picky weapon, but after leaving it alone for a year and primarily shooting my .40 shield and M&P 9c, I took it out last weekend and couldnt hit the broad side of a barn because I had gotten used to the much better triggers on the M&Ps. Just my observation though, it boils down to basically quantity over quality.

As Ray said, the full-sized equivalent of the Shield is the M&P. An M&P is a preferable first gun, IMHO, as an instructor. People who show up at my beginner classes with a little gun often borrow a standard size for the first classes.

Well, I happen to have full size M&P's, Shields, and now SD9VE. My purpose for each one is different, and I also understand that my circumstances have allowed me the luxury of owning all 3 types. I carry my full sized M&P's when I can. But when the weather gets hot, and my cover garments diminish, that's when I employ the Shield. I actually just got the SD9VE as my truck gun. I am very pleased with it and would not be afraid to use it as my carry weapon. Nightstand weapon....the M&P full sized 45 with a 14 round mag. Period.

The Shield is more set up as a smallish carry gun, with lower ammo capacity. Not an ideal "range gun," with its short sight radius and slightly greater recoil, but not unpleasant on the range (like some little guns can be).

If you are looking for a pistol for home defense and range work, I tend to lean towards the SD9VE over the Shield. Not knocking the Shield; it is an excellent buy at this time ($240 after rebate). I have a Shield for a specific purpose -- I want to carry a few more rounds than I can carry with my J frames, in the concealed carry mode.

The SD carries more ammo and is a very reliable gun. I've had one for a number of years and NEVER had a malfunction of any kind! The trigger is long and stiff and requires extra effort and time to master. The gun has a longer sight radius and most people think it has excellent ergonomics. It is also very easy to clean (it uses the Glock system for takedown).

I don't think you can go wrong with either of these S&W offerings, particularly at the $300 or less price-point. The thing is, if you get the Shield, you will want a full-size; and if you get the full-size pistol, you will eventually want the Shield for carry! And I predict you will -- assuming you enjoy shooting -- eventually move on to a M&P or more expensive full-size pistol, to buy a little more responsiveness in the trigger than the SD offers.

The Shield is more set up as a smallish carry gun, with lower ammo capacity. Not an ideal "range gun," with its short sight radius and slightly greater recoil, but not unpleasant on the range (like some little guns can be).

If you are looking for a pistol for home defense and range work, I tend to lean towards the SD9VE over the Shield. Not knocking the Shield; it is an excellent buy at this time ($240 after rebate). I have a Shield for a specific purpose -- I want to carry a few more rounds than I can carry with my J frames, in the concealed carry mode.

The SD carries more ammo and is a very reliable gun. I've had one for a number of years and NEVER had a malfunction of any kind! The trigger is long and stiff and requires extra effort and time to master. The gun has a longer sight radius and most people think it has excellent ergonomics. It is also very easy to clean (it uses the Glock system for takedown).

I don't think you can go wrong with either of these S&W offerings, particularly at the $300 or less price-point. The thing is, if you get the Shield, you will want a full-size; and if you get the full-size pistol, you will eventually want the Shield for carry! And I predict you will -- assuming you enjoy shooting -- eventually move on to a M&P or more expensive full-size pistol, to buy a little more responsiveness in the trigger than the SD offers.

I have both. I like both.The shield is my carry and the SD is home defense. Both go BANG when I pull the trigger and both fit nicely in my hand. I suggest going to a range where you can rent them and see which one not only feels good in your hand but shoots good for you. I am sure whichever you decide on you will like. Then one day you may go out and buy the other one. Good luck.

For me your situation has an easy solution. If you can only have one gun and you don't plan to carry it I would definitely purchase the SD9ve. The trigger is not that bad either - if you want to improve it, you can install a $20 Apex trigger kit and add night sights which I think are the same as the M&P. Also has a rail for a laser or light. I also found it to be very reliable and accurate. And oh BTW - it can be carried discreetly with the right clothing and rig. Good luck on whatever decision you make.

PS dan323 makes a good point to try it before you buy it. However, I think you will be hard pressed to find a SD9ve for rent at your local range. Let's face it - most ranges sell guns too and they aren't pushing to sell a SD9ve at that low price point. "ve" means value enhanced.

I own both, I have had the shield 9 for a few years and several months ago I bought the SD9VE and put a spring kit and added the Hi Viz front sight, I enjoy shooting it more so than the Shield 9 I have probably because it is a little bigger than the Shield and fits me better. I added a mag extension for a total of 20 rounds, I bought it to have a truck gun and a high cap night stand weapon, but I find that I carry it more now than the Shield.

I have the SD9VE. I love it. At the same time, try before you buy! Firearms are very personal. Some people hate the SD9VE trigger, some don't mind it and a small contingent say that they like or love it. I am in the middle. I will say I recently dry fired the M&P 2.0 and the FN 509 back to back. The 2.0 has me sold should another pistol be in my future. Yes, when you get one you will immediately start thinking about the next. Welcome to the addiction.

Of the two you listed, and for your intended use, I say without question, go with the SD9. This is your first gun, you will like, and shoot, the larger frame gun better. The SD9 also has a much larger mag capacity, I like that for both home defense and the range. Once you get more practice and more proficient, you will shoot a smaller gun better. I just wouldn't start there, especially if you're getting it for HD and range use. Just my opinion...

Now, I don't own the SD9, but I do own the Shield 9. I like the Shield, decent trigger, and a good shooter. I have picked up an SD9 at the LGS, and it is a surprisingly nice gun for the price. Good looking gun, too. I expecting an absolutely horrible trigger like I've experienced with the Sigma. But, the SD9 actually had a pretty good trigger...! A little long for a striker fired gun, but not gritty and super heavy like the Sigma. I actually liked the trigger pull, and think it would do well in terms of providing ability to be accurate. If you don't like it, it's a cheap fix to improve it, but based on the one I tried, I don't see why you'd bother.

This all said, you can probably find a used M&P 9 for not a whole lot more money. Or, find a nice lightly used Glock 19. I think the G19 is hard to beat for an overall home defense, carry, and range gun... Smith just went and copied the G19 when designing the Sigma. Not sure how well they did in terms of quality, function and performance, as I don't own one. But, people that own the Sigma and SD guns seem to like them. They seem like a great value. I do own and really like the G19.

In terms of money, buy once, cry once. Often cheaper in the long run to get what you really want, rather than buying the inexpensive item first ($X), then going and buying the other item later ($XX), as well ($X+$XX=$XXX)... We all have our financial hurdles, but I can say that in the long run, you will never notice the $100 - $150 more that you paid for the nicer gun that you really wanted. Save and get what you really want.

go to a range and try them. If i had tried the SD9 first, i most likely would not have purchased it. It just feels too light in my hand, with the plastic base. But definitely find a shop or range to try them both out and see which one feels better to you